WATERVILLE — A Waterville man is listed in critical condition today at a Portland hospital after being struck by a vehicle Thursday on College Avenue.

Jeremy Kraft, 51, of 150 College Ave., was hit just before 5 p.m. by a 2007 Jeep Patriot being driven south on College Avenue by Matthew Crate, 34, of 43 Louise Ave., according to Deputy Police Chief Charles Rumsey.

Rumsey said today that the accident occurred near the intersection of Getchell Street, which is just south of the Waterville Post Office.

“Based on our investigation, we believe Kraft stepped off the curb in front of the vehicle, which struck him and threw him approximately 15 feet before he hit the pavement,” Rumsey said.

He said Kraft suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken by Delta Ambulance to Thayer Campus, MaineGeneral Medical Center. He was then taken by LifeFlight helicopter to Maine Medical Center in Portland, he said.

“As of 10 p.m. last night we were advised by staff of Maine Medical Center that he was in critical condition,” Rumsey said.

A hospital spokeswoman said just before noon today that Kraft remained in critical condition.

State police were called to the scene Thursday to do a reconstruction of the accident, he said.

“We anticipate the reconstruction report to be completed in the coming weeks,” Rumsey said.
The Jeep was towed from the scene at 7:03 p.m. and police impounded it for a vehicle autopsy, Rumsey said.

Officer Kris McKenna is investigating the accident, to which the Fire Department also responded, according to Rumsey.

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